After about a year off I am looking to get back in to the weight lifting/training program again. The last equipment I had was a Gold's Gym bench with the 300lb cast iron weight set. That was good but seemed to just add bulk. I sold the system when i moved about a year ago.

Instead of the added bulk i think this time around i would like to drop weight and body fat first and then tone and gain back some mass.

Joining the gym would probably be the best option, but is really out of the question right now.

So I am basically looking into home systems. The platinum crossbow has a good look and concept to it, not to mention the price, but I have read up on some pretty bad reviews on it. Bad customer service, wiring problems, motors need replaced, etc.

To me Bowflex seems to be the best thing on the market, just a bit more than I would like to spend. They do seem to have better warranty coverages though.

I guess i was just wondering if anyone here has any input on bowflex( is it worth the $$$?) or knows of any other home gym systems out there.

I don't have any experience with Bowflex because I go to the gym. My home equipment always turns into a laundry hanger and dust collector, so I have to go to the gym.

I have two friends that have the Bowflex systems and both love them. Nothing but praise from them. One of the guys got to using all the resistance for multiple reps and it broke. Bowflex sent him a new system and $5,000 for his injurys and have used him for Beta testing.

If you know you'll like a home gym and use it, then go for it. You can get started at increasing core strength and toning with a much smaller investment, though. Just get:
*A few sets of dumbbells
*Inflatable Exercise Ball
*Tennis shoes (for running)
*Medicine Ball (optional)

There's an absolute ton of stuff you can do with these few things and a few other things (benches) that you probably have sitting around your house.

__________________In this world of sin and sorrow there is always something to be thankful for; as for me, I rejoice that I am not a Republican.
- H. L. Mencken

The Shape of Your Life requires only a few pieces of basic equipment—a bench, dumbbells, a stability ball (also called a physio or Swiss ball), a new jump rope, and a plyometric box—that shouldn't run you more than $200.

__________________In this world of sin and sorrow there is always something to be thankful for; as for me, I rejoice that I am not a Republican.
- H. L. Mencken

I use 6 packs of Coors Light and try to do 6 to 12 reps in the evening time. My arms are in great tone but my midsection still needs some work.

That's my problem. I'm about 6' 245. I have pretty good strength in my arms, back, shoulders, chest, and legs. I would just like to lose some of the body fat and get back some tone. A desk job and budweiser, not to mention a non existing diet, have left me with a fat ass. I would also like to somehow turn my gut into something that somewhat resembles a six pack. Right now it is closer to a pony keg.